When 263 dogs were discovered in Venice living in deplorable conditions, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department Animal Services accomplished what seemed impossible. Within 3 days, local rescue groups had relocated all of the dogs. Groomers shaved long neglected locks and furs, veterinarians evaluated and provided medical care, and rescue groups lavished love and attention on dogs that may have rarely been touched.
For Suzanne Quick, learning about the situation was horrifying. A long time member of the Sarasota animal community, Suzanne knew that she wanted to help. She called her friend Kathy Allen at Kickapoo Rescue and volunteered her home and loving care. Within 48 hours of placing the call her new charges arrived. Jamaica Joe, a white Toy Poodle and Ralphie, a Yorkshire Terrier are now learning to live life in a whole new way.
Jamaica Joe and Ralphie: Foster Days
by Suzanne Quick
Day 1 of Foster: The two pups are comfortably situated in their crate. Almost feral, Jamaica Joe will not allow himself to be touched for more than a second. If he had a chance to go -he would go. Right after Joe was shaved,(necessary due to the matting) rescue volunteers put a little sweater on him. It’s functional but I can’t wait to get him out of it. Not possible right now.
Ralphie is a little more docile and likely to bond to me more quickly. I can see that he is excited when I come near the crate. When I walk away from the crate, I can see that they are both watching me.
I cooked up some chicken especially for these two thinking that they would be thrilled but the reception was so-so. They won’t eat anything out of my hand yet. Have dropped some chicken pieces on the floor of the crate which they gobbled up.
No such thing yet as house broken. We’ll work on that later. Right now we need to work on some trust and some love. It breaks my heart to see these little dogs in this condition so fearful and trembling.
Last night they slept well, probably exhausted. Hopefully tonight goes as well. More tomorrow.
For information on fostering or adopting a dog in Sarasota County, please contact Animal Services at 941-861-9500